Mikel Arteta, head of Arsenal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and ahead of the clash, Mikel Arteta has given the club’s supporters some very positive news.
The Gunners beat Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday and will be looking to carry that form into their clash with the Toffees.
The north London club sit third in the Premier League table, but Arsenal have a run of games that could close the gap on league leaders Liverpool ahead of the start of 2025 .
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Arteta confirmed on Friday that he will bring Gabriel back for the busy festive season and that the centre-back could be available to start against Everton. However, the Gunners boss will still be without Riccardo Calafiori, who needs more time to return to full fitness.
“Gabriel Magalhaes has trained with the team and could be available against Everton,” Arteta told the press via Fabrizio Romano. “Unfortunately, Calafiori is not ready yet.”
Gabriel is set to return to Arsenal this weekend
Gabriel has been unavailable for Arsenal’s last two Premier League games as the north London club secured a win against Man United before drawing against Fulham.
The Brazilian is a game-changing return for the Gunners as the 26-year-old forms a very solid partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, while also providing Arteta with a massive goal threat from strikes standing – Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Paul Merson even labeled the Premier League giants “mediocre” without Gabriel.
The defender has contributed four goals to his side this season, with his latest coming in his last appearance against West Ham.
This news will no doubt give Arsenal a boost ahead of their clash with Everton, but more importantly, Arteta has one of his defenders back heading into the festive period as the Spanish manager has been dealing with various fitness issues in recent weeks.
